Work on the construction of the ‘Amma’ canteen dominated the discussion at the Pudukottai Municipal Council’s meeting here on Monday. A few councillors took objection to the huge expenditure incurred for the canteen pleading for more efficient use of taxpayers’ money.
The meeting saw the introduction of a few guidelines to be implemented from the next meeting.
Initiating a discussion, A.M.S. Ibrahim Babu (Congress) referred to a proposal for incurring additional expenditure for the Amma canteens in the town. He said that two canteens had been built at an expenditure of Rs. 17 lakh and suggested that no additional work be taken up.
R. Rajasekar, Municipal Chairman, in his reply, said the work was taken up initially using the municipality’s funds. Now, the State government had sanctioned additional funds for improving the infrastructure such as false ceiling and other basic amenities.
Manivelan, (DMK) pleaded for revoking the orders issued last meeting suspending three DMK councillors for two meetings.
He wanted a portrait of M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister, to be replaced in the council hall. The Chairman replied that the suspension was ordered to uphold democratic norms and values, and expressed his inability to revoke the same.
A guideline was issued to the councillors on the procedures to be followed during the meetings.
The guidelines ban on mobile phones during council meeting.
The Public Relations Officer of the municipality would issue the photographs and video clippings on the proceedings of the meeting in consultation with the chairman to the media. An admission letter would be issued to members of the public who want to witness the proceedings of the meeting.